# Defining Custom Data Sources

## Database

$db prefix indicates a data source type of Database. 

Database descriptors follow 

{% hint style="success" %}
**Shortcut.** `+` can be used as a shortcut in place of `$db.`, for example `+name` is equivalent to `$db.name`   
{% endhint %}

In SA5, a custom data source is one that you set up and define the structure of. This difference distinguishes them from pre-defined data-sources like User Info which already have a pre-existing structure.

[Collection List Data Sources](https://attr.sygnal.com/sa5-data/data-sources-complex/collection-list-data-source) are the primary current example. 

## Future

* Google sheet data sources
* AirTable data sources
* Google docs data sources 
* File listing services like Google Drive, Dropbox.